Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka: Who the hell are you? (Vol. 24)

3. What does this mean for the midfielders?

All things considered, Chukwuemeka’s addition to the Blues’ ranks does little to change the picture in the middle of the park. Thomas Tuchel has already confirmed that the teenager will remain with the club for the 2022/23 campaign—as opposed to going out on loan—but there are a lot of questions about where he fits in.

Chukwuemeka was not named to the 20-man matchday squad during the club’s trip to Goodison Park on matchday one, despite training with the first team from the moment he signed. Chelsea has a lot of depth currently in the midfield, although admittedly, that could change with three weeks left in the transfer window. Right now, the Blues have Conor Gallagher, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing in the middle of the park.

Chukwuemeka does bring something different to this unit in the fact that he’s a little more attack-minded in his approach, which is perhaps why Tuchel wanted to keep him around this season. He’s known for his ball-carrying abilities and eye for a progressive pass. The introduction of five substitutions in the Premier League this season will give the gaffer a few more opportunities to find time for Chukwuemeka. He will also provide some fresh legs before and after the World Cup stoppage, as he won’t be going with Gareth Southgate’s squad barring an unforeseen miracle.

If Chukwuemeka makes it to January without any minutes in the first team, there is an opportunity for the Blues to reassess the situation. The way the managerial staff has spoken of the midfielder though, it’s hard to see that being the case. He can also always stay fresh by playing games for the youth sides, considering he’s still just a teenager.

Even though Chukwuemeka’s addition doesn’t do much in the short term, he represents the next generation of talented youth around Cobham. He, Gallagher and Harvey Vale will presumably all be reaching the primes of their promising careers when the current crop of Champions League-winning midfielders move on from Chelsea. It’s one for the future, for sure. If Tuchel can find space for him in the present, even better.

What do you make of the addition of Chukwuemeka? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!